General Sir William Maxwell 

Henry Raeburn painted 'General Sir William Maxwell' using oil on canvas. The eye is immediately drawn to the vivid scarlet of the general's military coat, which contrasts sharply with the muted background, creating a striking visual tension. Raeburn's brushwork emphasizes the materiality of paint, with visible strokes that animate the surface. The composition, a traditional three-quarter portrait, places the general slightly off-center, creating a dynamic, asymmetrical balance. This tension between formality and dynamism speaks to the shifting societal structures of the time. The portrait engages with the semiotic language of power. The red coat, adorned with gold epaulettes, signifies military authority, while the subject's gaze meets the viewer's, establishing a direct, assertive presence. These elements combine to create a complex interplay of visual signs, reflecting the general's status and Raeburn's skill in constructing a visual narrative. The materiality of paint, the balance of composition and the semiotic interplay all create a powerful statement of self.